MYRModel Year Report

1991 Toyota 4RUNNER

▲ Better than typical
1991 Toyota 4RUNNER
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:34.628Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
43
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

51% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 9 complaints 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 79 complaints 1991: 43 complaints 1991 43 1992: 53 complaints 1993: 52 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 47 complaints 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 139 complaints 1998: 130 complaints 1999: 220 complaints 2000: 379 complaints 2001: 154 complaints 2002: 192 complaints 2002 2003: 528 complaints 2004: 612 complaints 2005: 410 complaints 2006: 381 complaints 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 96 complaints 2008 2009: 22 complaints 2010: 146 complaints 2011: 163 complaints 2012: 96 complaints 2013: 36 complaints 2014: 77 complaints 2014 2015: 87 complaints 2016: 81 complaints 2017: 36 complaints 2018: 60 complaints 2019: 65 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2020 2021: 36 complaints 2022: 39 complaints 2023: 31 complaints 2024: 10 complaints 2025: 60 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 9 complaints 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 79 complaints 1991: 43 complaints 1991 43 1992: 53 complaints 1993: 52 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1995: 47 complaints 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 139 complaints 1998: 130 complaints 1999: 220 complaints 1999 2000: 379 complaints 2001: 154 complaints 2002: 192 complaints 2002 2003: 528 complaints 2004: 612 complaints 2005: 410 complaints 2005 2006: 381 complaints 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 96 complaints 2008 2009: 22 complaints 2010: 146 complaints 2011: 163 complaints 2011 2012: 96 complaints 2013: 36 complaints 2014: 77 complaints 2014 2015: 87 complaints 2016: 81 complaints 2017: 36 complaints 2017 2018: 60 complaints 2019: 65 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2020 2021: 36 complaints 2022: 39 complaints 2023: 31 complaints 2023 2024: 10 complaints 2025: 60 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026
1984: 2 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1986 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 9 complaints 1988 1989: 6 complaints 1990: 79 complaints 1991: 43 complaints 1991 43 1992: 53 complaints 1993: 52 complaints 1994: 12 complaints 1994 1995: 47 complaints 1996: 72 complaints 1996 1997: 139 complaints 1998: 130 complaints 1998 1999: 220 complaints 2000: 379 complaints 2000 2001: 154 complaints 2002: 192 complaints 2002 2003: 528 complaints 2004: 612 complaints 2004 2005: 410 complaints 2006: 381 complaints 2006 2007: 154 complaints 2008: 96 complaints 2008 2009: 22 complaints 2010: 146 complaints 2010 2011: 163 complaints 2012: 96 complaints 2012 2013: 36 complaints 2014: 77 complaints 2014 2015: 87 complaints 2016: 81 complaints 2016 2017: 36 complaints 2018: 60 complaints 2018 2019: 65 complaints 2020: 32 complaints 2020 2021: 36 complaints 2022: 39 complaints 2022 2023: 31 complaints 2024: 10 complaints 2024 2025: 60 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026

1991: 43 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19842
19852
19868
19875
19889
19896
199079
199143
199253
199352
199412
199547
199672
1997139
1998130
1999220
2000379
2001154
2002192
2003528
2004612
2005410
2006381
2007154
200896
200922
2010146
2011163
201296
201336
201477
201587
201681
201736
201860
201965
202032
202136
202239
202331
202410
202560
20268

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

51% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

Show complaint excerpts

The head gasket leaked oil. *jb the main wires on the engine shorted out with multiple electrical component failures. Over $3500 spent in repairs within 2 weeks. *…

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-24

Cylinder head gasket is damaged, leaking coolant. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-06

Service brakes

21% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving in the street at 40 MPH, it accelerates for no reason. I could not stop, the brake put hard, did not respond to any change and engine speed increased to more than 5000. I had to turn it off still running.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-04

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Steering

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing connecting and arm.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

1991 Toyota 4RUNNER steering failed when turning wheel. *ts ***no answer required*** the consumer received a recall notice regarding the steering linkages two months after the accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-16

My daughter with two granddaughters were driving in a 91 Toyota 4 Runner on a well maintained log road when they lost steering and went over a 30 ft cliff. The steering knuckle broke the tilt steering and plastic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-01

Power train

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and driveline.

Tires

9% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Pe00 020; consumer was traveling 65MPH on the highway and right rear tire exploded. Consumer felt a vibration coming from steering. Lost control, vehicle slid and went into an enbankment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-08-04

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1991-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-03-24 Loss of brake effectivenes
  2. I
    1992-03-24Engineering analysisClosed 1993-01-21 Loss of brk effectiveness
  3. I
    1999-01-27SQClosed 1999-04-22 Corroded brake lines
  4. I
    2002-03-26Defect petitionClosed 2002-08-26 Rear seat belt routing
  5. R
    2005-10-05Steering05V389000 On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the steering wheel is repeatedly turned under certain conditions where high steering effort and power assist are required, for instance, when…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering relay rod. The recall began October 5, 2005. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are…

    Remedy: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 05V389000 · Steering
  • Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.